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General Physics Science Fair Project

Air Pressure and Helium Balloon Shrinkage

Hard
Air Pressure and Helium Balloon Shrinkage | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Does a helium balloon shrink faster on a high floor than on the ground? Air pressure drops as you go higher in a building. That lower outside pressure may let helium escape through the latex more quickly. You inflate 60 balloons to the same diameter. Then you place 20 on the ground floor, 20 on the 30th floor, and 20 on the 60th floor. Every two hours you measure each balloon's diameter. The balloons on the 60th floor shrink the fastest. Ground-floor balloons hold their size the longest.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that lower air pressure in the surroundings will cause helium gas to escape at a faster rate, from a balloon.

Method & Materials

You will inflate balloons with helium gas, measure their diameter, and observe how the helium gas escapes from the balloons in different air pressures.
You will need 60 balloons, a tank of helium gas, a 500mm ruler and 2 wooden blocks, 60 nails, and 100m of string.

Results

The experiment results show that the balloons on the highest floor reduce in size and diameter at a faster rate than the balloons on the ground floor. This means that the helium gas escapes more quickly from the balloons located on the highest floor.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting because it shows how air pressure affects the diffusion of helium gas in balloons.

Also Consider

Consider experimenting with different types of gases and varying the room temperature and humidity levels.

Full project details

You can find additional information and details for this science fair project here. Have fun exploring!
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